Day one is arrival in Quito at your own pace, with an evening briefing to meet your guide and the rest of the group. No meals are included that day. The riding starts on day two in Imbabura Province, through fields of wheat, barley, potatoes and corn farmed by several different indigenous groups, with a gourmet lunch at Hacienda Zuleta before more road cycling.

Day three is the one people come for: the road routes of Richard Carapaz from Tulcan in El Carchi province, with ambitious high-altitude climbing and a real chance of running into Ecuadorian riders in training. You also visit the Carapaz family home. Day four runs from Ibarra to Otavalo past fields and plantations, with stops at wood-carving and weaving workshops and a finish at Otavalo market for souvenirs.

Day five drops from the cold mountain air into temperate cloud forest, descending into San Jose de Minas to visit a rose plantation before a more demanding ride down to the river Pisque. That is the only day with dinner included alongside breakfast and lunch. Day six ends after breakfast at your Quito hotel.

What separates this from a generic Andes cycling tour is the route itself. These are the roads a Giro winner and Olympic champion actually trained on, and the trip takes you to his family home rather than just naming him in the marketing. The group cap of ten keeps it manageable on the road, and the guide holds a Wilderness First Aid Responder certification, which matters at 3,500 metres.

The altitude range is the thing to take seriously: from 2,000 metres to 3,500 metres, with 3 to 4 hours of riding a day rated challenging. This suits riders who already train regularly and are comfortable climbing. The operator lists a 20% discount for under-12s, so families are catered for, but the daily distances and altitude mean children would need to be strong riders.

What's included

- Experienced, certified English-speaking guide - Private transportation - Accommodation for 7 nights - Meals as listed in the itinerary - Activities as listed in the itinerary - Water and snacks - Water bottle - Use of road bikes (aluminium frame, carbon forks, Shimano 105) - Certified helmets and gloves - All entrance fees to reserves and museums

What's not included

- International or domestic flights - Airport transfers - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary - Single supplement ($300) - Tips for guides and drivers - Travel insurance (mandatory) - Optional extra activities